PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: 5786
“This is the hour of change, and within it we stand quietly on the boarder of light. Shall we draw back, or cross over:” As we have for generations, We Cross Over; turning back is not an option.
It is a pleasure to see so many faces, old and new, all joined in celebration, and a special greeting to those unable to come to our sacred home who are joining us via livestream.
We are together today as a community, to celebrate, to meditate, to pray for Adonai’s guidance, as our spiritual ancestors have done in biblical times; as generations before us have done for 185 years.
I am Alan Sturtz and I am honored and privileged to be serving as president of the board of trustees, following in the footsteps of those who sustained and guided CMI since 1840.
As we start this year, CMI is strong:
Our overall membership currently stands at 403 families, with a goal to reach 415 for this year.
Our Religious School Director Michelle Goldstein reports that enrollment is over 90 children this fall and continues to increase.
Our Early Learning Center is growing under the leadership of Director Jenn Verrier, with almost 70 children and more expected in January.
Our Finance Committee and Executive Director is working diligently to keep our expenses less than our revenue.
This morning, I would like to speak with you about two aspects of belonging to an organization: involvement and commitment.
Regarding INVOLVEMENT: Why did we become, and remain, members of Congregation Mishkan Israel? I will start...you think about why you are members:
I am part of an interfaith marriage and discovered early on how CMI recognizes the beauty of our diverse human community and welcomes not only interfaith families but people of any race, background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or ability.
In many conversations, I discovered the quiet wisdom of Rabbi Brockman and Cantor Giglio. This continues with Rabbi Schaefer and Cantor Fox.
I am told I formally joined CMI in 1995 and for most of that time I only went to services: always at Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and the occasional Shabbat to remember parents and grandparents. Every year I attended what was then called the Meditation Service during Yom Kippur; in 2000, I responded to an invitation to be part of the service, taking a giant leap by injecting humor—with a message. Those of you who attend that service know the rest--still crazy after all these years. Rabbi Brockman and some members of the congregation even said maybe laughing during Yom Kippur, was not such a bad thing.
And I met members I did not know before. And I started attending other events. And I began to feel that I was part of the community.
But enough about my being involved with CMI. I am sure you all have your own stories about joining and being a part of CMI. Please share them with your friends and neighbors and bring them to CMI events.
So, you come to CMI for the High Holy Days or shabbat services or bring your children to religious school. But do you realize how much more CMI has to offer? How much more there is for your membership? How much more you are needed above dues support?
A brief financial appeal: we are ever so close to reaching our Chai campaign goal…please consider a donation in any amount. But do you realize that you can also make a donation in memory of loved ones, in honor of milestone events, or to support activities that matter to you?
Here is just a sampling of activities for you to think about:
● Join Rabbi Schaefer and Cantor Fox for Tot Shabbat each month
● Schmooze with kids, parents, and grandparents over food and games on Saturday afternoons
● Celebrate Rosh Chodesh group with a multigeneration community of women
● Volunteer with the Brotherhood of Men and Women or discuss a new book each month with the CMI Book Club
● Cook dinner with the Ritual Committee before a shabbat family service
● Learn with Rabbi Steven Steinberg in his Sunday morning seminar Judaism: New Interpretations of Old Ideas
● Play music with the Oy Street Band
● Help our new fine arts committee to coordinate the acquisition of art for the synagogue
● Help repair the world with the Confronting Racism group, Life is Delicious, the Pe'ah Garden, Chevra Hands, or the Chesed Committee, as our community continues to follow the path of Rabbi Goldburg and Rabbi Brockman in fulfilling our congregational imperative to tikkun olam.
● And so much more for you to discover, just as I did…
But OUR strength and OUR future depend on all of US participating and contributing—financially and otherwise. To quote the comic strip character Pogo: We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities. If you have ideas about your interests, please let me know. I am usually around (or can be) on Sunday morning.
As to COMMITMENT: I will leave that up to you.
Now I am not saying you have to commit to be president of the board of trustees (although you could) …but you can become a member of the Board or a member of one of our many committees, or a participant in any of our religious, cultural, educational, social, or community action events.
As I say in my Shabbat announcements, with so many activities in our spiritual home, continue to be a presence.
My appeal to you this year is not to stand by but to get involved…there is so much to do, and so much that needs to be done. Commit to ensuring CMI’s future. Hope is Mandatory!